Scolari: No limit to Portugal potential

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari admits trying to convince his players they can emulate the achievement of homeland Brazil four years ago is the biggest obstacle to them claiming a place in the World Cup final.

In 2002, Scolari led Brazil to their fifth World Cup but, with Portugal having never played in a final before, the coach is hoping to convince his adopted country they can boldly go where no Portuguese players have gone before in tomorrow’s semi-final showdown with France.

“My first job has been to try and help the players to see where the limits are,” Scolari told a press conference today.

“Then I must help them to get near the limits and then to reach the limits. Once they manage to surpass the limits then they will realise there are no limits to what they can achieve.”

Scolari has led Portugal to their first World Cup semi-final since 1966, when a Eusebio-inspired team fell to eventual winners England, and the sense of excitement is palpable in the country that has long lived in the footballing shadow of former colony Brazil.

The manager will be able to bolster his team with midfielders Deco and Costinha, who missed the quarter-final win over England after being sent off against Holland in the last 16 match.

Costinha will likely slot in for Petit, who is suspended for the semi-final.

‘Big Phil’ did not rule out making tactical changes for the match with France, who have seen off Spain and defending champions in the knockout stages.

“They [France] are a team of quality,” said Scolari. “We have seen how they controlled the games [against Spain and Brazil], they really play as a team.

“It might be necessary for the team to adapt itself to the circumstances again because France are a very strong team and have prepared well.

“They are very fast and have a very good spirit in their team but we do as well.

“We have to work as a team and in football you never know which team is going to win.

“If you look at the history books then France must be favourites to win when you consider all they have achieved, but Portugal have also done some good things.

“We will be positive and try and change the history of this fixture,” said Scolari. “The favourites don’t always win.”

France have beaten Portugal in two high-profile semi-finals, 3-2 in Euro 84 in Marseille in what is considered one of the greatest games in history, and 2-1 in Brussels in Euro 2000 in a game that had a stormy finish when Zinedine Zidane secured victory for Les Bleus with a golden-goal penalty kick.

Scolari was in buoyant mood after being applauded into the press conference room and said: “I want to give you all a hug – especially those of you I have not seen for some time. Thank you.”